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Often times families task domestic helpers with elderly care as a more economically viable alternative to professional care, which can be very expensive in Lebanon.

Domestic workers in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Arab world come in thinking they will perform domestic chores, only to realize too often that they will also be caring for elderly people or children.

Oftentimes, domestic workers act as caregivers for the same salary they earn for domestic chores, Abdulrahim explained.

"Care recipients can [also] become entirely dependent on domestic workers," Abdulrahim said. If tremendous pressure is inflicted on a domestic worker, they might scream at the care recipient.

Last year Abdulrahim completed a study that surveyed 1,200 individuals on the reasons they hired a domestic worker. About 20 percent of respondents listed the presence of a senile family member as one incentive, while another 20 percent mentioned the care of young children, Abdulrahim revealed.